Dao Nguyen, MD

Dr. Nguyen is extremely kind and skilled. She was very open to answering any questions I had and ensured I had the best experience possible. I had a breast reduction with her and everything went perfectly. I got the exact results I was looking for. I highly recommend her.

Decided to write this review because I noticed there’s not enough about Dr. Nguyen online. I hope this helps somebody out there!

First off, if you’re looking into this surgery I highly recommend going with Dr. Nguyen. Keep in mind she’s very busy so expect your consultation and appointments to take awhile.
When you do meet with her though, she is able to answer all of your questions and collaborates with you to ensure you’re getting the results you want. My surgery was covered through insurance but even still, she asked me what size I wanted to go down to and we came to an agreement together.

I’m 25 years old and was unhappy with my deflated, saggy breasts. I was roughly a 32DD but after a 20lb weight loss I had lost a lot of volume in my breasts and the more progress I made in the gym, the more my breasts would sag. They caused me back/neck pain and just weighed me down in general.

I’m now 2.5 weeks post op and I’m feeling great! I had my first follow up appointment with Dr. Nguyen today. It was brief, she took my steristrips off and gave me instructions on how to go about the rest of my healing process. The incisions look very clean and neat.

In regards to the procedure itself, the first week is the hardest but you will get through it. Expect to feel helpless and cry here and there... it’s normal. It’s important to have people at home who can help you with pretty much everything. By week 2 you’ll be able to do more, but you’ll still want to keep it light. I still found myself getting emotional and felt some pain in week 2. I did however stop taking all medications that were prescribed to me after about 6 days post op. You will not be provided with any surgical bras post surgery so prepare in advance and get your own supportive bras.

I wouldn’t recommend going back to work until you’re 3 weeks post op. I work an office job and could not imagine going back at the 2 week mark.

I’m very excited to see what my breasts will look like in the weeks and months to come! If you’ve been considering this procedure, I say go for it!

I am three days post op. Feeling really great. I am fram Canada so my insurance for this surgery was painless. I went for my consultation in February had my surgery in July 10th. Went from a 32 FF to what looks like a c cup.

Updated on 17 Aug 2018:
5 weeks after surgery and I am at 100 percent. So happy! One breast has more dark scaring than the other but I am starting mederma treatment and other things. I also have Gard scar tissue on one side that softens with massages so I've got to do that pretty often.

I had big, long breasts that sat on my stomach when out of a bra. I’ve had two kids and have had weight fluctuations over the years. My breasts were big but deflated and low-hanging.
Super happy with my result so far. Life will be a lot more comfortable compared to before, once I’m healed. Surgery was one week ago today — how do I look like I’m doing so far? See pics

Updated on 27 May 2018:
Saw my PS on Wednesday and she said I was “healing beautifully!”

Then....Had a very tiny wet, yellow sore (looked open maybe) at the t-junction last night (Saturday) that seemed to be bigger this morning. So that was scary.
Put a little polysporin and dab-dabbed it and it seems to be okay now (almost midnight.)

Today was the first day I didn’t feel like I had to take any pain medication.
The sore wasn’t painful, just freaked me out.

I’ll keep updating this, since everyone else’s reduction/lift posts have been really helpful to read...

Feel free to comment!

Updated on 29 May 2018:
Yesterday in the afternoon;
Was just sitting on the couch and I felt something small give way way the bottom of my left breast. Next thing I know I’m bleeding, swollen and hard as a rock there, in excruciating pain.
This all happened within the span of half an hour, so I was pretty sure I was going to die.
It took a while to stop the bleeding.
I stayed in the ER overnight and then met my PS at a different hospital this morning.
I was very relieved to hear that it was decidedly a hematoma and a popped stitch, because the blood had turned the area around the incisions so dark I was sure I had necrosis - even a nurse at the first hospital I went to thought so.
My PS added me to the slate for the day and even squeezed me in in the middle of the day - she’s awesome. I had a quick operation - an “evacuation” of the area (to remove the clotted blood) and I guess then stitched back up.
It’s nighttime now and I’m totally fine, taking it easy at home.

It was an extremely scary experience in the beginning but the kindness of all the nurses I crossed paths with really put me at ease, and it all worked out. I would much rather have a hematoma than necrosis.
Also apparently it’s really uncommon & weird to have a hematoma at ten days out from the surgery, so don’t worry.

I was thinking the worst but it all worked out just fine.
Here are a couple pics...

Will update again soon :)

Updated on 4 Jun 2018:
Not sure if I’m healing quicker than average or just on par, but I’m pretty amazed. Hard to tell in the pictures maybe but some areas of the incisions are completely closed and smooth now.

Saw my PS today for a checkup for after the hematoma was cleared out and she says everything’s fine.

I guess my tips would be... Eating plenty of protein, fruits & vegetables and getting enough sleep/rest.
Also I’ve avoided any infection whatsoever even during the issues with the left breast and my tip for that would be Wash your freakin hands! Properly, and every single time you’re gonna even open up your bra to take a peek. Can’t be too careful! :)

Updated on 7 Jun 2018:
It occurred to me to write a list of stuff I’ve found helpful that I didn’t gather before my surgery because I didn’t know to ...
Super absorbent paper towels (a few rolls) — this is for patting your incisions dry after a shower. I thought a towel was too rough and not absorbent enough.
One of those big round mirrors used for doing makeup or eyebrows... one side normal and one side magnified. This is for looking at your incisions.
And to go with that, a flashlight. Because you’ll want to be able to have enough light to check out the incisions under your breasts.
Also I would recommend getting two or three surgical bras/garments, because when I just had one I really did not like the feeling of my breasts just sitting out there while the bra was being washed & dried.
Anything else anyone can think to add?

Updated on 11 Jun 2018:
Nothing much new to report. Healing quickly and lots of dead skin flaking off all over.

Pain is completely gone — stopped taking anything more than an occasional Advil.

Right nipple has a lot more feeling than lefty.

Now that everything’s closed up I’ve started lotioning the breast skin (but not the incisions themselves)

Updated on 13 Jun 2018:


Updated on 16 Jun 2018:


Updated on 16 Jun 2018:
from a few days ago

Dr. Nguyen is the worst. From the first time I stepped into her office, she asked me questions about my previous medical decisions that had nothing to do with breast surgery or any medical area that she is qualified to discuss. She attacked me at length for making the cancer prevention decisions that I had been instructed to make, and then when I told her that I wanted a breast reduction rather than a double mastectomy, she said, why don't you care about preventing cancer? She went on to dismiss my life threatening morphine allergy, which had been witnessed and documented by multiple doctors, saying, I'm sure they just gave you too much and you would be fine with a lesser dose. This made me have to worry that she would inappropriately allow me to receive morphine during my procedure, or after it, and I had to tell every other doctor and healthcare provider in the entire process not to let her do that. She then gave me almost zero aftercare instructions, resulting in ripped incisions, massive bruising and blood pooling, and now an infected incision. As well, she prescribed an anti-inflammatory that has such unacceptable adverse effects that it has been pulled from almost every other market, and it is strongly contraindicated for people with asthma, which I have and which all my charts say that I have. She also prescribed me 30 tabs of Ativan with no forwarding that she was prescribing me a highly addictive benzoate drug, and without telling me what she was prescribing it for, so that I had no way of knowing if I needed to fill the prescription or not. Her manner is contemptuous, condescending, and downright nasty. She has never said a kind or appropriate thing to me. I will never have anything to do with this surgeon again.

I’ve been considering breast reduction for a few years. During pregnancy I gained almost 40 pounds with my son.
My breasts got bigger! So I asked my GP about breast reduction. She referred me to Dr. Nguyen. A month after I got a call for my consultation to have a month later. Consultation was Feb.28. I thought if I’m having this I might as well ask about tummy tuck. My stomach stretched quite a bit and I have lots of stretch marks and loose skin. I read somewhere you could save by combining the surgeries.
First consultation was quick and easy and was approved for breast reduction through insurance and was put on the wait list. I asked about tummy tuck reduction and I was scheduled to come back a month later.
Due to COVID 19 my second consultation got pushed back a couple of times and finally had it June 5. Booked my surgery date that day for Aug.17.
It was strongly recommended by PS to go with auxiliary lipo so I don’t get a side boob after reduction as well as flanks and thigh lipo.
Had a couple of weird days thinking what am I doing!? And having second thoughts. Now I am mostly excited.
Dr. Nguyen was very nice and she went through everything with me and answered all my questions before I even asked.
I’ve added some photos of my belly. Will add photos of my breast soon.

Updated on 16 Jul 2020:
I’m about a month away surgery. Getting super excited! I will be paying for it tomorrow. Then being sent out to get my measurements for my compression garment. My PS wants me to start wearing it a week prior. I’m really not looking forward to that. I’ve also ordered a couple of fruit of the loom bras. I tried them on and they seem comfortable enough.
I’ve been debating weather I should order the toilet seat riser. Some reviewers here stated it made their life easier but I’m just unsure. Someone else recommended a reading pillow. I might get that. I will update on that.
I thought I update my info as well as I find it helpful when I read reviews with them for reference sake.
5’1
142lbs ( really hoping to loose 5 pounds before surgery)
Measurements at the moment in inches are
Bust- 37.5
Waist-30.5
Hips- 41
Bra size 35DDD. Hope I end up a full C.

Updated on 11 Aug 2020:
The nerves are starting to kick in! I’m definitely already a bit emotional going from super excited to super nervous. I also got my period yesterday so been feeling yucky but I’m glad I didn’t get it at the same time as surgery.
I started wearing my Marena compression garment as per my PS recommendation to wear it one week prior. She wanted me to get used to it. It’s actually not that bad. I’ll have to wear it a total of 7 weeks. Apparently you get used to it and you actually feel better with it on after surgery as it keeps everything in place. So we will see.
I bought a couple of wedge pillows on amazon. One for my back and the other for my legs. The thought of sleeping on a recliner wasn’t appealing to me. I’m also a side sleeper. So the whole sleeping situation worries me a bit. I don’t remember having issues sleeping after my c section I was sleeping like a baby but that might been due to being sleep deprived! Also there was no tension on the scar.
I’ll be staying overnight at the hospital I’ll be in a reclinable bed for the first night and someone checking up on me. Hubby only allowed to come and check on me quick then he has to leave due to COVID.
I managed to go down to 139lbs. I wanted to loose a bit more but oh well. I’m hoping eventually going down to 130 after surgery. It will be easier to work out without the big breast holding me down.
I took some more before photos and I will post some after surgery.

Updated on 17 Aug 2020:
Surgery went well today. Lasted 4hrs. Staying overnight at the hospital and I am so thankful for that. Not sure how I would manage at home. I don’t really have pain in my breast or the tummy tuck incision. The real pain and uncomfortable feeling is in the stomach due to the MR. It’s like an elephant is sitting on my stomach. Really hard to describe.
Been in and out of sleep all day. Can’t stomach anything. Only had some crackers apple juice and water. I threw up all over myself earlier that was soo painful and also got my surgical bra wet. Would have been nice to have a spear one.

Updated on 20 Aug 2020:
The last few days have been really tough! Like I underestimated this recovery. The second and third day were probably the hardest as I was more aware and wasn’t able to stomach anything day 2 was finally able to have toast and not throw up. Day 3 I was able to have fruit and yogurt for breakfast and boiled egg for lunch and a quesadilla for dinner. I know not very nutritious but I’m trusting my body in what it tells me I can stomach so I’m taking it slow.
Day 2-3 pretty much stuck in my room going from my bed to the chair and the bathroom. I was able to start getting in and out of bed by myself with little help. Today hubby drove me to my check up appointment and everything is looking as it should be at this point. Dr changed my dressings and off I went. 1 hr car ride there and back and I was fine. I’m very hunched over still but little improvements. I also had my first BM today. That was an interesting experience but not painful I guess you just have to listen to your body and not try to force anything. Which is what I’ll do.
I’ve also gone down the stairs so I’ve sat here instead of being stuck to the br. But taking naps in between and walking around the house. I’m only taking a muscle relaxer and tylenol for pain.
Mainly pain in my back from walking hunched over. That’s my biggest complain at this time.

Updated on 21 Aug 2020:
So today my hubby and I decided to get out of the house and go for a little drive. Well while waiting for a right turn we got rear ended. It happened so quick. I felt my stomach muscles contracing. But I seemed fine after that. I got a contact with a nurse who said to just keep checking how I feel. So I’ll see how I feel tomorrow.
Even though that happened today I did notice an improvement from yesterday. Not as much pain.
Last night since my update I started getting really bloated. Went to bed bloated and still had alot of swelling this morning and all day. I’ve read so many reviews and I know it’s normal. It’s just uncomfortable and my cg feels soo tight because of it. Hope things improve.
Sponge bath today was so nice. Still haven’t washed my hair and I’m not allowed to shower until drain comes out.

Updated on 26 Aug 2020:
Today is probably the first day I see the light at the end of the tunnel and feeling better. I finished my prescription of muscle relaxer and just taking ibuprofen and Tylenol. There isn’t alot of pain just the stomach discomfort.
Saying that I’m getting better at getting up without help and feeling more comfortable just sitting or laying down where few days ago even that felt uncomfortable even after taking the pain meds.
Had a follow up appointment with a PS covering for my Ps while she’s on vacation. I was disappointed the drain couldn’t come out as I still drain 50ml in the last 2 days :( But I was told it will come out next Wednesday regardless as there is a risk of infection otherwise.
I’m still very swollen and bruised. I hope it goes down soon so I can appreciate my results more. But I need to be patient. Before surgery I was taking ACV which helped me alot with bloating so I’ll start again tomorrow and hope it helps at least with the bloated feeling.
I don’t have many photos without my garment on as I’ve been religiously wearing it. Have only taken it off once to wash it day 4. I will try and get some more photos next time.

Updated on 1 Sep 2020:
Had my surgery 2 weeks ago today. It’s gone so fast and slow at the same time if that makes any sense.

My energy is up but still need to take a mid day nap. So not quite there yet. I’m standing more straight everyday but I think it will take another 2 weeks to be back to normal.

Haven’t really taken any pain meds during the day the last few days...just at night time to help me sleep. Been sleeping well even though I’m a side sleeper I’ve had good nights sleep on my back with a bunch of pillows supporting my back and legs. I don’t think I’m ready to get rid of them yet.

The swelling is really uncomfortable and discouraging. Makes my stomach feel so tight. I hope that goes down within the next couple of weeks so I can appreciate my results more.

Also still have 1 drain. Coming out tomorrow. Barely draining anything for the last couple of days.

I look worse than I feel. Don’t really have pain just discomfort due to the swelling.

Updated on 8 Sep 2020:
Since my last update I finally had my drain removed last week. Which felt like freedom! Not as restricted on what I could wear and I could finally take a full shower. It’s the best feeling.
I’ve had my ups and downs as it seems this recovery is taking forever. I’m still not walking straight. I would probably say I’m 80% there. The mornings are pretty good and it gets worse towards the end of the day. I don’t think the swelling is helping. I have more swelling on my left side. That’s the side of the bed I’ve been sleeping on so I wonder if it’s healing at a slower pace as I use those muscles more to get out of bed?
Sleeping is okay. Still not sleeping on my side but it is getting more and more comfortable. One thing I haven’t read on any reviews is the stretching in the morning. Started experiencing it a week ago. It wakes me up. It’s such a weird feeling like I just need to stretch and I feel pressure on my stomach like something is gonna snap inside. It’s not painful it’s just really weird.
Haven’t really take any pain meds. There isn’t any pain. Just tender spots here and there.
I know I keep talking about the swelling but it is sooo frustrating! I can’t appreciate my new flat belly when I have so much swelling. I hope it gets better in the next few weeks. Will def ask my PS at my check up on Thursday.

Updated on 29 Oct 2020:
So it’s been just over 10 weeks since surgery. Been a while since I done an update. Feels like everything after 3-4 weeks moves really really slow. Took me a while to finally walk straight. I probably say 5 weeks. I’m sleeping comfortably now on my back or sides or whichever way I want. There is still some tugging now and then from the TT. I started working out again a couple of weeks ago and I do feel my stomach muscles contracting still so my body tells me to still take it easy.
The scars are still res but they look really thin. So once they redness goes down I feel they wont be as visible. But even then. They don’t really bother me. I feel and look great. No more rolls when I sit down and that is such a good feeling!
I’m still experiencing swelling. Especially after working out. The left side has always been more swollen than the right and you can tell in the photo. I hope with time it evens out. I start flat in the morning then by night time it’s swell hell. But it is much muc better than it was a few weeks back. I probably say the swelling started to improve after 6 weeks. And every day goes down a tiny bit. I can’t always tell by just looking at the mirror but I notice on the photos I’ve taken.
I’ve gone bra shopping and seems I’m 34C now down from 34DDD. I’m very happy with my breast size and shape. Feel alot more comfortable.
Next check up in s month.